Fishingmickey

Instead of going with fluorocarbon. If your wanting stretch/give and willing to switch, go to monofilament. In my opinion nylon monofilament has much better stretch properties then fluoro. If it is toothy protection then I agree with the others, stay with the Invizx/Abrazx. FM

Shelves are pretty much bare.

You might want to check out some of Jacob Wheeler's you tube videos. His technique, especially when he is working around docks is pretty amazing in my book. In my opinion he is one hell of a "skip"er. FM

I think the trick to skipping a lure is to get the lure moving fast and parallel to the surface, just like skipping a rock. If your learning how to skip a bait casting reel. I'd try it with just a 1/2 or 3/4ths filled spool of mono. Also I'd suggest practicing on open water till you get proficient to attempt going under docks. Accuracy is paramount. Being able to skip a soft plastic senko, fluke or jig into tight places can be very exciting. FM

Hello Dink, I figured I'd share my thoughts on DC reels. I have fished several DC reels and really unless you're really new to bait cast reels or looking for something specific to use for skipping or have to cast into the wind a lot. I've found a educated thumb will work as well. I have three DC reels right now. Two Curado DC's and a Exsense DC. I had a 17 Scorpion DC that I liked a lot too and so did someone else much to my consternation. Braking systems have come a long way. The Diawa SV and Shimano's brakes do very well for me without the "DC". So it is kind of your call. If you have a trouble with back lashing and want to give DC a try go for it. It isn't a cure all and you can still backlash a DC reel despite what You Tubers will try to show you. So in summation. They are very nice but I wouldn't go in with super high expectations from a "DC" reel. Regards, Fishingmickey

Chatterbaits: Yes, 85% of the time, Spinner baits No. Same as Ewrex. FM

I direct tie my spinner baits. I use either Mono or Fluoro line for spinner baits. I used to love the Mann's Hank Parker spinner bait. It has a closed eye. I don't like issue with the closed eye because if the spinner bait spins during the cast and it happens to me at least some of the time. The closed eye where the wires meet creates a pinch point for my line to get caught in. It damages the line significantly. So I only us the "R" bend models now. Like Catt if my line slides up. I just push it back in place. FM

Just one thing to add. in my opinion the seat is everything. If your not comfortable sitting in it. You'll find yourself after a hour or so hurting in "certain" areas. Lower priced kayaks with crappy seats will make you hate kayaking. So which ever one you decide make sure it has a great seat. FM

Could mean a couple of things Ryan, to me it means it may have stirred up the water and turned it into chocolate milk or blown in colder water and the bait and fish left for nicer climes. FM

I'm not a 100% positive, But I think the mark button marks where the GPS unit (in the head) is not where the transducer is. FM

It sadly did not. My sweetie and I have been making a sojourn to Maine the week after labor day for several years. It did make it before this years trip. FM

Fake news... Cook for the wire to wire win.

Kistler Graphite 7' MHF and a Diawa Fuego CT. The Fuego is 110 or drop another 20 for the Tatula CT. Kistler often has the Graphite on sale for a hundred. So combo price is for 210 w/Fuego or 230 w/Tatula. Other possibly great option is check the Bass Resource flea-market here. I've bought several items from there and have been very pleased. Fishingmickey

I just got in a Zodias 5 pc. MHF travel rod I had on pre-order. I ordered it tail end of July 21. Fist they were saying middle of August, then fall, then November, then December. Arrived March 10th of 22. This was from Discount fishing. It's a well made beautiful rod and it will fit into a carry on bag. I wish it had come with a better case instead of a fabric case with pockets. FM Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

I guess that the smart pig isn't so smart any more. FM

Tom, I just wanted to add. I spent some time in Southern California in the late 70's to 81. I fished lake Casitas the week after the 21lber was caught there. That reminds me of you. I enjoy and greatly respect your sharing of knowledge and really like the gear I've bought from you! Fishingmickey

I found that the Marine Corps cured me of my "instant" temper. I realized that the best way to survive those years was just do the job. I've been in management now and when I feel that "rise" is to just step back mentally and keep it calm. FM

Mah gawd, that is one sexy popper!

Sure KP, The pelican bass raider is a fishing platform that you can't paddle effectively for any distance. A trolling motor or small outboard is pretty much required to go any distance. Motorized vessel requires registration in most states. Pedal or paddle kayak's do not. It won't take rough water for squat. Or let me rephrase that, I wouldn't take one out on a larger lake where there is a possibility of winds higher then about 8-10mph. If it is a lee shore and protected water close to the ramp that's a different story. It has a very large wind profile. It's not very maneuverable for floating rivers, which cans that option for most of the rivers here. It doesn't have a dolly/hand cart or wheels that can be used to launch it at non-boat ramp places unless you can drag it easily terrain permitting. I suspect that there is quite a few other reasons too. The above were some that came to mind pretty quickly. Feel free to correct me, you asked for the reasons why Kayak instead or the Bass Raider. Regards, FM Simultaneous posts, I got to windy with mine.

Same here, usually it is when I am moving between spots with the kayak. I'll chuck out a crankbait or lipless and put it in the holder whilst I pedal or paddle. If I am trolling (not spot to spot) to catch fish is when I use the braided line and am going for deeper depths. WRB, that 120' - 150' is probably about right for my cast to cast and a half distance I referred to earlier. If it is shallower water I'll shorten up the distance to get the right depth. I have some crank baits that will get down to the 25-27' depth range on the braided line. that would be 8XD-ish in size. FM

That's what happens when you only have one eye and you wink alot.

X2 here. I've also found that using 30# braid will allow me to get the deeper (15'-20') diving crankbaits down to that 20' depth range. I will long line them too. Long lining for me is a long cast and a half or two long casts distance. I just keep the drag on the light side and use a sweep set when I get bit. If it is a bigger fish 4lb+. I'll ease up on the drag a touch to make sure I don't bend out the hooks when fighting the fish. Using 12# fluorocarbon and a long cast works great for that 10-17' depth target. FM

I've got a good buddy I have saltwater fished with for years. We alternate "driving" the boat. Yes, the trash talking gets epic. As most others have said, it sounds like communication is needed. If he's been your fishing bud for 40 years, enhanced communication! Call him out on it. If you don't want to do that, then go solo or upgrade your boat and invite him to fish yours and you drive. FM

Hello Recurve, With that moniker. I assume your an archer also. The Berkley Max-scent flat worm has been the rage on the pro circuits for smallies up north. Welcome aboard! FM

No problem w/15lb. Probably be fine with 20-30 lb braid too. Just make sure your aware and tension the drag accordingly. FM